Full Breakdown
Hamas Open to International Peacekeeping Forces Amidst Ongoing Tensions
2/21/2026, 4:09:32 AM
Hamas's Position on Peacekeeping Forces
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem announced that the organization is open to the deployment of international peacekeeping forces in Gaza, provided that these forces do not interfere in the territory's internal affairs. Qassem emphasized that the desired role of these forces would be to monitor the ceasefire and act as a buffer between the Israeli military and the Palestinian population. This statement marks a notable shift from Hamas's earlier opposition to the proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF), which is part of U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan for Gaza.
The Board of Peace Meeting
The inaugural meeting of Trump's "Board of Peace" took place on February 19, 2026, in Washington, where several countries, including Morocco, Indonesia, Albania, Kazakhstan, and Kosovo, pledged to contribute troops to the ISF. The ISF is expected to consist of approximately 20,000 personnel, including a new police force aimed at maintaining order in Gaza. During the meeting, Trump announced that over $7 billion had been pledged for Gaza's reconstruction, primarily from Gulf nations.
Preconditions for Political Processes
Hamas has stated that any political or reconstruction discussions must begin with a complete halt to Israeli military actions, the lifting of the blockade, and guarantees of Palestinian national rights, including the right to self-determination. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has countered this by insisting that Hamas must disarm before any reconstruction efforts can commence, a condition that Hamas has firmly rejected.
Criticism of the Board of Peace
The Board of Peace has faced skepticism from various analysts and international figures. Critics argue that the board may marginalize Palestinian voices and impose a foreign economic agenda on Gaza. Hugh Lovatt, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, described the board's emerging plans as potentially colonial in nature, suggesting they could sideline established international frameworks like the United Nations. Former U.S. ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro also expressed concerns about the lack of Palestinian input in the reconstruction plans.
Ongoing Tensions and Ceasefire Violations
Since the ceasefire took effect in October 2023, both Hamas and Israel have accused each other of violating its terms. Reports indicate that over 500 Gazans have been killed in Israeli military actions since the ceasefire began. Hamas has maintained that its military capabilities are essential for self-defense against Israeli aggression, further complicating the prospects for disarmament and peace.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our position on international forces is clear: we want peacekeeping forces that monitor the ceasefire, ensure its implementation, and act as a buffer between the occupation army and our people in the Gaza Strip, without interfering in Gaza’s internal affairs,” — Hazem Qassem, Hamas Spokesman
- “Any political process or any arrangement under discussion concerning the Gaza Strip and the future of our Palestinian people must start with the total halt of aggression,” — Hamas Statement
- “We agreed with our ally the U.S. that there will be no reconstruction of Gaza before the demilitarisation of Gaza,” — Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister
The situation in Gaza remains precarious, with ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on the path forward for peace and reconstruction.
